Manayunk

 

Rising against the banks of the Schuylkill River and bordering the Roxborough and Wissahickon suburbs, Manayunk unwinds its tree-lined streets throughout the historic reaches of Philadelphia. The largely flat locale is offset by the low, rolling hills that surround Philadelphia, creating a luxurious and lively community of college students, young professionals, and others seeking the comfort of a suburb and the electricity of the local color. 

 

Before Manayunk earned its famed name at a town council meeting in the early 1800s, it was called Flat Rock by its first European inhabitants, who arrived as early as the 1700s. The location of the first canal in all of America, Manayunk became such a hub of manufacturing that it was once even dubbed the “Manchester of America.” With all this history, it’s no wonder Manayunk was named a National Historic District in 1983.  

 

Now, Manayunk is recognized as a revitalized and chic suburb. Abounding in brick structures and Georgian, Colonial, Greek Revival, and Victorian architectural styles, the atmosphere of Manayunk — like much of Philadelphia — is brimming with history as much as it is contemporary elegance. Residents of Manayunk enjoy an even balance of owned versus rented homes, making this suburb appealing to young professionals and families of any variety.

 

 

Manayunk is a bubbling suburb found close to Philadelphia’s city center and is constantly awash in a bustling and diverse atmosphere due to the population found here. The area is made popular by its proximity to Philadelphia’s city center as well as the numerous educational and employment opportunities it offers. In fact, the suburb is also a hot spot for college students attending nearby universities. With a majority of its residents holding college degrees, the neighborhood is highly educated, lending itself well to the classy, charming, and small-town vibe of the community.

 

Though Manayunk is only fifteen minutes from the Main Line, numerous other neighborhoods, and the City Center of Philadelphia, you can save that quarter of an hour by enjoying a day out right in the community. 

 

Whisk yourself away to a whole new world in the whimsical Spiral Bookcase, one of Philadelphia’s numerous bookshops. Or, head over to Vamp Boutique to don some unique and trendy outfits. Top it off with a stop by The Little Apple, a stationery and gift shop sure to provide the ideal gift for anyone you’re shopping for. 

 

Once you’ve perused the shops, take a load off by grabbing a bite to eat at Winnie’s Manayunk Restaurant, the proclaimed “best restaurant in Philadelphia and Manayunk for lunch, dinner, and brunch. Extend the night by sitting down for an excellent locally-made beer at Manayunk Brewing Company, The Goat’s Beard, or the Union Tap House. To earn a taste of Manayunk, be sure to try the award-winning Manayunk Pizza. For an elegant night out, make a reservation at Somo Restaurant to soak up Manayunk’s one-of-a-kind community.  

 

The activity never stops in Manayunk. Between young professionals, college students, and families, the options for entertainment are endless and sure to suit everyone. 

 

Priding itself on its commitment to community involvement — and on its insistence that there always be something to do — Manayunk offers several festivals throughout the year. Taste the local fare at StrEAT Food Festival or, during the chillier months, enjoy any number of festivals from the Founders Philly Freeze-Out and Halloween in Manayunk to Holidays in Manayunk, a winter festival complete with horse-drawn carriages. In the springtime, be sure to Celebrate Trails Day by walking one of Manayunk’s countless stunning trails before relaxing with a good meal during Spring Restaurant Week. Get the pets in on the action at Dog Day of the Summer and celebrate National Coming Out Day with the community at Out & About in MYNK. 

 

During the few weeks, there isn’t a community-organized festival, Pretzel Park is here to provide, offering summer concert series, farmers markets, and even a dog park. Throughout the summer, the Manayunk Stroll the Street is another great option for getting out and about in the community. North Light Community Center is evidence of Manayunk’s personal commitment to helping the community, as it services thousands of food insecure individuals and provides countless services for the neighborhood’s children. As if that weren’t enough, Venice Island Performing Arts Recreation Center is always ready to put on a good show.

 

Manayunk is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: